Kelly Ayotte on Energy & Oil

Responsibly tap U.S. reserves of natural gas and oil

Q: What should be done to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels?

A: Our country needs a comprehensive energy policy that reduces U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. We can accomplish this through increased conservation efforts and by
expanding our domestic energy sources. We can responsibly tap U.S. reserves of natural gas and oil, ensuring both a careful balance of environmental considerations while increasing domestic energy production, leading to job growth.

Responsibly expand domestic gas and oil

Our country needs a comprehensive energy policy that reduces U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. We can accomplish this through increased conservation efforts and by expanding our domestic energy sources.

Kelly Ayotte believes we can responsibly tap US reserves of natural gas and oil, ensuring both a careful balance of environmental considerations while increasing domestic energy production, leading to job growth.

Global warming is real, but should not cost jobs

Ayotte advocated "responsible drilling" in US reserves. She expressed concerns about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, in which several states have launched a cap-&-trade market, as a regional solution that will not solve a global problem.

Ayotte
said that global warming is a "real issue" and that scientific evidence has shown human activity could have contributed to higher temperatures. But she warned against addressing climate change in a way that costs jobs, or results in higher energy bills.

Source: Shira Schoenberg in Concord Monitor
, Aug 12, 2009

Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases.

Congressional Summary:To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change. The Clean Air Act is amended by adding a section entitled, "No Regulation of Emissions of Greenhouse Gases". In this section, the term 'greenhouse gas' means any of the following:

Water vapor

Carbon dioxide

Methane

Nitrous oxide

Sulfur hexafluoride

Hydrofluorocarbons

Perfluorocarbons

Any other substance subject to, or proposed to be subject to regulation to address climate change.

The definition of the term 'air pollutant' does not include a greenhouse gas, except for purposes of addressing concerns other than climate change.

Proponent's Argument for voting Yes:[Sen. McConnell, R-KY]: The White House is trying to impose a backdoor national energy tax through the EPA. It is a strange way to respond to rising gas prices.
But it is perfectly consistent with the current Energy Secretary's previously stated desire to get gas prices in the US up to where they are in Europe.

Opponent's Argument for voting No:[Sen. Lautenberg, D-NJ]:We hear the message that has been going around: Let's get rid of the EPA's ability to regulate. Who are they to tell us what businesses can do? Thank goodness that in this democratic society in which we live, there are rules and regulations to keep us as a civilized nation. The Supreme Court and scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency agreed that the Clean Air Act is a tool we must use to stop dangerous pollution. This amendment, it is very clear, favors one group--the business community. The Republican tea party politicians say: "Just ignore the Supreme Court. Ignore the scientists. We know better." They want to reward the polluters by crippling EPA's ability to enforce the Clean Air Act.
Status: Failed 50-50 (3/5

No Climate Tax Pledge: "I pledge to the taxpayers of my state, and to the American people, that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue."

Sponsoring organizations: Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEU); National Taxpayers Union (NTU); Institute for Liberty Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.